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Inside little-known Egyptian getaway ideal for thrill seekers and the perfect sunset
AS a kid, I was obsessed with Egypt’s civilisation and would drag my grandparents to Glasgow’s Burrell Collection to bask in the Egyptian artefacts.
I even got my own papyrus-making kit and tried my hand at scribing some hieroglyphics as I told my Nana: “I’d love to visit this place one day.”
Twenty years later I hopped on a plane to explore my childhood passion.
But I was 170 miles away from the lure of Tutankhamun’s Tomb in Luxor or even further from the incredible pyramids at Cairo, as I embarked on an adventure to stunning Somabay, Egypt.
The up-and-coming resort is simply paradise and prides itself on being a top spot for divers looking to explore the gorgeous waters of the Red Sea.
And to the delight of locals, easyJet launched a direct flight from Glasgow this year to nearby Hurghada, cementing its place as a location on the up.
I was picked up from the airport by private limousine, a service which is available to all visitors who can use it to ferry them around the resort.
The Breakers Diving and Surfing Lodge is only an hour from the airport – which is nothing when you think of the size of this incredible country.
The modern accommodation is inviting and cleverly coloured beige to blend in with the gorgeous sandy surroundings.
Staff were on hand to handle my luggage and even arranged a food platter for me as I missed the hotel buffet dinner – I’ll get to the mouth-watering grub later.
All of the rooms are kitted out with Boho-style furnishings and comes with a balcony, TV, minibar and complimentary Wi-Fi and the cool air-con is welcome.
The bathroom rain shower was powerful and refreshing and the bed was super comfy and right next to the balcony to enjoy the views as you wake.
After feasting on the platter left for me, I was out like a light, as I had a very busy few days ahead.
The Breakers Hotel is a one-stop shop for adventurers seeking to explore the depths of the Red Sea and the most popular resort for divers.
The nearby Orca Dive Centre makes the experience trouble-free and anyone of any ability can explore Egypt’s underwater world with diving courses and excursions to plenty of different sites.
But before I pulled on my snorkel, I sat down at a beach-view table and tucked into their amazing breakfast spread.
And I didn’t know where to start. The cold selection included fresh fruit, yoghurts, bread and a selection of meats and cheeses.
Chefs were on hand to prepare eggs, crepes and other delights.
Feeling satisfied, it was time to hop on a boat.
The beauty of this place is that everything is on your doorstep and the marina is a few short minutes away in a golf buggy.
GO: SOMA BAY
- GETTING THERE: easyJet fly direct from Glasgow to Hurghada, an hour from Soma Bay, with fares from £35.99.
- STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the four-star The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge from £73pp per night.
- MORE INFO: See somabay.com
We sailed out to the middle of the sea and kicked back with a traditional Egyptian tea before diving in for a stunning morning snorkel.
This is an incredible experience that I can’t recommend enough, once you submerge yourself under the water it’s like entering another planet.
You’re completely cut off from the world above as you glide through stunning coral towers with schools of fish darting past your head.
And if it’s your first time exploring the wonders of the Red Sea, and you fancy being braver than me and taking a deep dive, the diving centre even offers introductory courses for beginners.
The hotel also caters for a range of other fun activities including kitesurfing, yoga, beach volleyball, wakesurfing.
Snorkelling is hungry work and with a rumbling stomach I headed back to the hotel for more delicious dishes.
The restaurant has something for everyone from Italian, to traditional Egyptian cuisine.
My favourite night however was a BBQ on the beach., where I indulged in a selection of steaks, chicken, grilled veg and endless sides.
And as if one sea expedition wasn’t enough, the hotel organised a complimentary sunset boat trip with DJ, cocktails and good company.
The tunes blared out, as we gazed at the golden rays disappearing behind the rocky backdrop of the distant Sinai mountains.
And if you’re holidaying alone, there’s no need to be lonely, as the hotel also caters for solo travellers offering a wide range of activities for guests to mingle including a cocktail night and morning yoga.
On my second day I was keen to get back in the water and went snorkelling again, using equipment provided by the hotel.
Then it was out of the blue and onto the green as I hit Somabay Golf, an 18-hole course with breathtaking views out to the Red Sea.
It’s challenging but user-friendly and I was keen to give it a shot. I used to hit a few balls as a kid but thankfully there was a professional on hand to assist.
We grabbed a beer and explored the course, as the breeze from the shore kept us cool as we putted our way around.
Later that night we went from sand traps to sand dunes with a quad bike safari trip by tour provider Alex Safari.
It was amazing darting through the huge dunes on a buggy and when we weren’t holding on for dear life, there was time to grab some pics.
Before I packed my bags to head home, the hotel made sure I was fully relaxed by treating me to a water therapy massage at the Cascades Spa.
The thalasso-tonic pool is a massive bath containing seawater with water jets providing comfort to regenerate and tone parts of your body.
I felt like a new man after being battered by these powerful jets and didn’t need to be asked twice to put my feet up in the sauna after the session.
Finally, I kicked back at the Wyte Beach Club, a stunning getaway by the sea with palm trees and amazing staff.
I ordered a seafood platter and pina colada and sat at the beach to catch some final rays before heading for my flight.
I might not have gotten my fix of Egyptian history but one thing’s for sure, this holiday was some-sphinx else.
Jag kom hem och fann mina barn outdoor med packade väskor — det var den sväraste dagen i mitt liv.
Jag kom hem och fann mina barn sittande på verandan, med resväskor packade och förvirring i ögenen. De sa att ...
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‘World has lost a true legend & hero’ – Heartbreaking tributes for ‘inspirational’ man, 29, who died after cancer battle
HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for an “inspirational young man” who died at the age of 29 after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
George Horsman died peacefully on Wednesday in the “exceptional care of the Wicklow Hospice” with his family by his side.
The Arklow man was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was 22 and had three brain surgeries, 30 radiotherapy sessions and ten months of chemotherapy to fight the tumour.
Last year he marked five years free of cancer, but just months after passing that milestone, he was told it had returned and it was terminal.
George spent his time raising awareness for cancer and fundraising for numerous charities and had recently called for assisted suicide to be reviewed for exceptional circumstances in Ireland.
As his 29th birthday approached on August 8, he set up a fundraiser for The Friends of St Luke’s Cancer Care, Beaumont Hospital Foundation, Arklow Cancer Support Limited.
With almost 14k raised, the fundraiser has nearly reached his 15K goal.
George thanked his loved ones for celebrating his big day and for those who donated to his birthday fundraiser, claiming that it was “the best day of my life”.
He said: “Thanks to everyone who made me feel so much love.”
The Wicklow native previously told us of his plans to donate his organs, telling how he had “always valued” his organ donation card.
George will be laid to rest tomorrow at 12.30pm in St. Brigid’s Church, Kilbride.
Dublin Spurs Supporters Club remembered him as a “true legend and hero”.
They said: “Sincere and heartfelt condolences to George’s family and many, many friends.
“The world has lost a true legend and hero. A selfless soul who will be missed by many. Taken way too young. May he now rest in eternal peace.”
‘HE GAVE SO MUCH’
Others remembered him fondly as an “inspirational young man” who was “taken too soon” and supported so many on their journeys.
One person said: “George always thought of other people and how he could help to support them on their journey.
“I will miss George’s friendship and calls. My thoughts are with all his family and beautiful partner at this difficult time. May you rest in eternal peace George.”
Another said: “He battled bravely, and we admired all the things that made George the wonderful man he was.
“We will remember him, and you all, in our prayers and in our thoughts. Sending sincere condolences and love to you at this very sad time.”
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF A BRAIN TUMOUR?
The main symptoms caused by a brain tumour include:
- Headache – may be worse in the morning or during the night, or when you sneeze/cough or bend down
- Loss of vision or problems with vision, such as blurred or double vision
- Fits or seizures or blackouts
- Personality or behaviour changes
- Changes in intellect or memory problems
- Uncoordinated movements or unsteadiness or weakness on one side of your body
- Speech or swallowing difficulties
For more information click here.
A former co-worker said: “I am so very sorry to hear this awful news. Deepest sympathy to all of Georges family, friends and partner.
“It was an absolute pleasure to know him and we will all miss his constantly happy and smiling face around the office.
“George’s positive attitude and charity work will continue to be an inspiration to everyone that was lucky enough to know him. Rest in Peace George.”
While another mourner added: “Deeply sorry about the tragic loss of George, such a lovely young man, who gave so much. Heartfelt condolences to you all.
“There are no words to express how much we empathise with you at this very difficult time. Wishing you all strength in the happy memories you have.”
Donations can be made to George’s birthday fundraiser here.
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This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
One fan just misses out on historic Shohei Ohtani home run ball — the one who got it won’t give it back
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I phoned my neighbours to tell them I’d won £100,000 on the lottery – then they told me to phone 999
A DAD-of-four was told to dial 999 by his neighbours after he called them to celebrate his £100,000 lottery win.
Dan Carter, 39, was struggling to sleep following a boozy night out when he decided to play the £2.50 Monopoly Gold Instant Win Game on his phone’s Lotto app.
After suddenly winning the £100,000 jackpot he instantly woke wife Kayleigh, 38, so they could kick-start the party.
The couple called their friends down the road and the group toasted their success in the early hours of the morning in their pyjamas.
Despite being a bar manager, Dan admitted he was “shaking” so much with excitement he couldn’t pour the drinks following their August 30 win.
He said: “I don’t play The National Lottery all that often, I have won the odd thirty quid here and there.
“I decided to put £5 on my account and play EuroMillions, and when I didn’t win anything there I thought I’d try one of the Instant Win Games with the remaining £2.50.
“I played Monopoly Gold and won £5 and just left it there. Over the next couple of days I had a go here and there.
“I had been around my neighbours with the family, and after having a few drinks and playing some games, my wife and the kids went back home.
“I couldn’t sleep so had another go on my phone while sitting in bed and then noticed the message on the screen.
“I kept looking and looking and then I started screaming ‘I have won!’ My wife Kayleigh then started screaming too, we just couldn’t believe it.”
Dan said he was so stunned by his big win, at first his friends thought he needed an ambulance.
He said: “I couldn’t speak properly and our neighbours didn’t understand what was going on.
“At one point they said, ‘just call an ambulance if you aren’t well?’. Kayleigh finally grabbed the phone and explained what had happened.
“We met up and sat in the garden sipping a bottle of prosecco.
“Considering I’m a barman, I still struggled to pour without spilling, I was shaking that much.”
The couple, who have three daughters and one son, are planning to splash out on a family holiday to Disneyland Paris.
They also want to use some of the cash as a deposit to get themselves on the housing ladder after years of renting.
Dan said: “We’ve never had that much money, pretty much going week-by-week, but this is a game-changer.
“To be able to put a deposit down on a house is just amazing.
“I haven’t played The National Lottery very much but always thought that I would win when I did play.
“Winning just feels brilliant and it means I have some financial security for my family.”
Two years ago, the £2.50 Monopoly Gold game was axed from the National Lottery’s website due to new rules designed to protect children from gambling advertising.
The restrictions – introduced by the Committee for Advertising Practice (CAP) – stop popular elements of youth culture such as sports and video games from being used in gambling ads.
How to enter £2.50 Monopoly Gold Instant Win Game
The National Lottery's app provides access to a number of instant win games.
In order to play, download the app from the Google Play Store on Android devices or the App Store on Apple phones.
After registering and proving you’re over 18, you can play the Lotto’s instant win games.
The list of games on the app is different to those available on the web, however.
Games available on the app include the £250,000 Jackpot Multiplier, £10,000 Bingo, and £1 Million Jackpot, among others.
Entry prices for the games range from just 25p up to £5.
If you wish to play Instant Win Games in the app, you may on occasion need to download a feature in order to play the game with full animation. You will only need to download the feature once for each new game you want to play.
The app is often updated in order to ensure its security, according to The National Lottery. However, this does mean that some older operating systems are no longer compatible with the latest version of The National Lottery app.